PITTSBURGH - A Mercer County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Jeffrey T. Lewis, 48, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a two-count Information before United States District Judge David Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lewis fraudulently solicited funds for investments but used those funds to pay off business losses, gambling and personal expenses.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2018, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lewis.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
